How to Remove Pen Marks from a Microfiber Sofa

Removing pen marks from microfiber sounds impossible. Once something like microfiber stains, it feels like there is no going back and like you might as well chuck the item. However, there are a few simple solutions for what ails your microfiber.

Because microfibers is that unlike suede or other animal hides, in that it is man made and manufactured, you have a much stronger chance of being able to clean it up. With just a little elbow grease and the right tools, you can get pen ink out of your microfiber couch, chair, etc.

Here are some different items that you likely have around the house that can help get rid of ink on your microfiber products.

DISCLAIMER:

It is always advised that you rest a small, inconspicuous section of your item before attempting to apply one of these tactics in an obvious area just in case your fabric can't handle a specific tactic.

Before trying these suggestions it is always a good idea to check with the retailer of your microfiber product to see if there are any cleaning instructions or warnings. Sometimes larger furniture items, such as microfiber couches, come with warranties from the retailers that will cover cleaning. Other times retailers will do so for a fee. The fee can be worth it depending on the severity of the stain, as professionals have experience cleaning similar items with different levels of staining and wear.

Just remember that there are a lot of different options out there before you have to give up on the item completely.

Baby Wipes

Microfiber can take some rough washing, but if you do too much you'll discolor the fabric. Baby wipes are a great alternative if you are unsure of what harsher cleaning products could do to the fabric, as they are both mild and strong at the same time when it comes to cleaning.

Baby wipes can also help you figure out the severity of the stain. If the baby wipes can take up a little spot in a large stain easily, they will most likely be able to clean up the entire stain. If not, you know you'll need something stronger.

Another bonus is that if you are cleaning an item that is white or pale in color, baby wipes are the right answer because you can clean the offending ink without discoloring the surrounding area.

Liquid Soap

One of the best reasons to use liquid dish soap or detergent is that it isn't likely to cause any discoloration. This is something that works best if you catch an ink stain early.

Grab some soap, add a little water, and mix the solution together. With a clean rag or towel, scrub the stain with the solution, and the ink should come up quickly. This works much better than just throwing something in the wash. Also, it works well if you can't put your item in the washing machine.

Hair Spray

This is one of those tricks that you've probably heard about but never tried. It may not seem like something that would work, but for many it seems to get the job done.

Spray down the area of the pen ink stain, then scrub up the spot with a towel. This helps separate the ink from the fabric. Plus, it won't give you with an eyesore of a water ring like some other cleaning products will do. Just make sure it is a basic aerosol hair spray, as other product types won't do the trick.

Commercial Cleaners

Commercial products like 409, Tide and Oxyclean can also help you get rid of pesky ink stains on your microfiber. If you have a stain that has gone really deep into the fabric, these cleaners should do the trick.

However, these harsher products can be damaging to dome darker colored materials. As previously mentioned, be sure to test an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn't harm the color or texture of your fabric.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol or isopropyl alcohol is a great way to get out any stubborn stain. Most pen ink can be pulled up easily with rubbing alcohol. However, if there is any sort of coloring on the microfiber, the alcohol may rub it off, so proceed cautiously.

Diluting it can work well and prevent you from being worried about damage when applying.

The biggest downside to rubbing alcohol is the smell, which is not the best. However, it will work wonders to get rid of unwanted ink on your items.